Amid Uf-fsu Hoopla, Old Friends Say Goodbye

GAINESVILLE — This is about best friends, a sentimental note easily buried in the intrastate hysteria that epitomizes the Florida-Florida State football rivalry.

When the frenzy finally subsides late Saturday night in Tallahassee, perhaps Tim Paulk and Godfrey Myles will share a quiet moment and say their goodbyes.

It may be a while before they play on the same football field again, if ever.

''We talked about it earlier this week,'' said Paulk, an inside linebacker for the Gators. ''I don't think it's settled in yet. . . . The only time I felt like this is when my older brother William went off to the Army when I was in the ninth grade.''

William Paulk has since come back from Korea, although Tim now confides in another brother-in-arms to share his milestones and misery.

Paulk and Myles first met as ninth-graders at Carol City High School in Miami. They have been inseparable.

Teammates for eight years, friends for life, Myles and Paulk share a dorm room despite the opportunity Myles had to live alone this season.

Myles likes to sleep by the window on road trips. Paulk prefers the bed near the television. Myles' choice of jewelry is an earring dangling from his left earlobe. Paulk shows off two gold teeth.

Subtle distinctions are important when their similarities evoke eerie connotations.

Paulk pauses, Myles finishes the sentence. Myles thinks of something, Paulk says he was just thinking of that.

''It's kind of hard to explain,'' Paulk said. ''It's like we were meant for each other.''

They are also a perfect fit for Florida's defense, which has allowed just 11 touchdowns this season and ranks fifth nationally (234.7 yards per game). Florida faces perhaps its most diversified offense of the season Saturday night against the Seminoles, who average 443.5 yards.

The large task of shutting down FSU's offense belongs to Paulk and to Myles, who plays ''Gatorback,'' a position that combines the responsibilities of outside linebacker and strong safety.

Paulk, a junior, leads the Gators in tackles with 74 and ranks second with four interceptions, including a 36-yard touchdown return against Georgia. Myles, a senior, ranks third with 63 tackles and has a 52-yard interception return against Kentucky for a touchdown.

Because impressive numbers demand recognition, Paulk, Myles and a few other teammates formed the ''Boo-Yaa Tribe,'' a select club for intimidating defensive hits.

Paulk's calculations have him tied with outside linebacker Fee Bartley with three Boo-Yaas this season, although that is subject to change Saturday night.

Paulk and Myles are starting together for the first time since arriving here in 1986. Academic difficulties caused each player to stumble.

A score of 14 on the American College Test, one point under the then-required 15, cost Myles a year of eligibility.

Paulk passed his entrance exam, but faltered by skipping classes before the 1989 season.

Together again since they were named All-Dade County linebackers at Carol City by The Miami Herald and Miami News, Paulk and Myles are enjoying their final run as teammates, although their strong friendship transcends any logistical constraints.

''When I met him we just blended together instead of competing,'' Paulk said.

Although both players are unassuming by nature, Myles deviated from character this week after inflammatory commentary from FSU reached the Gators' bulletin board.

Myles hesitated as he walked into an interview room Tuesday. ''I dislike those guys,'' Myles said. ''I was skeptical of doing interviews because of that.

''I haven't thought about the end of my career Saturday.''

A likely target for retribution Saturday night, Myles should be able to take care of himself. At 6 feet 2, 241 pounds, Myles is expected to be a fourth-to fifth-round NFL draft choice, although his prospects could improve if he fares well at scouting combines.

But first, one final sentimental journey Saturday night.

''We've stayed focused,'' Myles said. ''We've leaned on each other for suppport when no one else could be there. . . . I'm going to miss him.''